Rashford receives university accolade

Marcus Rashford is to become the youngest person to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his work campaigning against child poverty.

The 22-year-old Manchester United and England forward will follow in the footsteps of United greats Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in earning the accolade from the university, which is the highest honour it can bestow.

Last month, he forced a Government U-turn after he wrote an open letter to MPS asking for the reversal of a decision not to award free school meal vouchers to vulnerable children outside term time.

The Wythenshaweborn striker said his family relied on free school meals when he was growing up.

During the coronavirus pandemic, he also teamed up with poverty and food waste charity Fareshare to help raise £20 million, which meant 3.9 million meals could be distributed to vulnerable people every week.

Rashford, pictured, said in a statement: “It’s a proud day for myself and my family.

“When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling.

“We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country, but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot. Thank you to The University of Manchester.”

He later tweeted: “Very humbled, thank you @Officialuom.”

The university’s president and vice-chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said: “Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field.

Rashford will receive the honorary doctorate later this summer, the university said.